Grand Prix d’Espagne – Rough ride in Portimao, Leclerc looks to bounce back in Barcelona?

Let’s start with the positive: the new Ferrari SF21 is doing better, much better than its predecessor, the uncooperative SF1000 from 2020. However, in Portimao, Charles Leclerc was not able to take his number 16 higher than sixth place.

After three Grand Prix, the colt of the late Jules Bianchi climbs to fifth place in the world rankings… despite a Ferrari that is not entirely up to par.

He systematically finished his 2021 races in the points and ahead of his teammate Carlos Sainz, who gave him a bit more trouble in qualifying in Algarve (5th for the Spaniard compared to 8th for Leclerc). A Saturday that got Leclerc thinking in the Portimao paddock:

« Saturday showed me that I still have a lot to learn.

The weekend was quite poor for me. And very erratic. So I still have a lot of work to do on my end.

If he made up ground in the race with his sixth place finish, the leader of Ferrari believes he could have done better.

« The weekend (editor’s note: in Portugal) was quite poor for me. And very inconsistent. I still have a lot of work on my side. What I learned from this weekend is perhaps that I should take it step by step. »

« I quickly tried to push my car to the limit and it made my weekend very messy. Looking back at my Friday and Saturday, I was only in the rhythm once out of 10 laps. I tried to set a very fast lap time but I was not consistent. »

« Perhaps under these conditions, I should have taken it step by step. What I did on Sunday (ed. note: for the race) »

Portugal was to be forgotten for him, even if the consistency is there. Now focus on the Spanish Grand Prix, which will take place this weekend.

« I still have a lot of work to do on my side. I should take it step by step. »

A rebound in Spain?

This year’s exceptional fact: the winter tests did not take place in Barcelona. The top drivers have less room for improvement and will discover the track with the 2021 single-seaters. This could benefit Ferrari and Charles Leclerc, who is known to be opportunistic and gifted with great adaptability.

But the Barcelona circuit does not favor engine power. The Alpin V6 always being asthmatic compared to its rivals, the Spanish track could better suit the SF21, much more agile than the 2020 car.

Number 16 could then elbow with the McLarens to score very big points. In addition, Turn 10 of the Montmelo circuit has been widened, offering good overtaking opportunities… and in terms of maneuver, we know Charles Leclerc formidable, if we recall his duel with Verstappen at Silverstone in 2019.

The risk of rain is fading for the race on Sunday. But if there is a race ahead of Leclerc, then a brilliant move is not to be ruled out for the spearhead of the Scuderia Ferrari!

Presentation and TV program of the Spanish Grand Prix

The start of the Grand Prix will be given this Sunday, May 9th at 3:00 PM. Find our presentation and schedules to know with our TV program!